GCSE Business & AS Business Studies

GCSE Business Studies

Board     AQA                          Specification number -           4133           

AS Business Studies

Board       AQA                       Specification number-           1131 

Students will have the opportunity to study GCSE Business in Years 9 and 10 followed by the AS Level qualification in Year 11.  

Course Outline 

GCSE

Unit 1: Setting up a business

This unit introduces the issues concerning the setting up and operation of a business. It explores the activities of business and the reasons for success or failure. It encourages candidates to appreciate that businesses must operate within society, and that this involves businesses engaging with a wide range of stakeholders who will hold differing perspectives. 

Assessment: 1 hour exam- 60 mark/ 40%.   

Unit 2: Growing as a business

This unit builds upon the knowledge gained in unit one. The focus here turns to the growth and expansion of a business. 

Assessment: 1 hour exam- 60 mark/ 35%.  

Unit 3: Controlled Assessment: Investigating Businesses

Based on a pre-released case study students will be required to investigate a given business. 

Assessment: Written assignment- 40 marks/ 25%. 

AS Level

Unit 1: Planning and financing a business

This builds directly upon the skills gained at GCSE, focusing specifically on the role of entrepreneurs and how businesses are financed. 

Assessment: 1 hr 15 min exam - 60 mark/ 40%.   

Unit 2: Managing a business

The focus then moves to the different functional areas of a business, and how they enable a business to operate successfully. We will look at areas such as marketing, operations, HR and finance. 

Assessment: 1 hr 30 min exam- 80 mark/ 60%.

Upon successful completion of the AS qualification at the end of year 11, students may begin study towards the A2 Business in year 12 or delay this until year 13.